Lionel Messi scored a superb goal as Argentina began their World Cup campaign with a win over World Cup debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina.

Argentina went ahead when Messi's free-kick was put into his own net by defender Sead Kolasinac.

Messi then played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, jinked past two defenders and rifled in to make it 2-0.

Analysis

"We were sat there in the stadium and there was a real sense of disappointment throughout the crowd. Everyone wanted to see Lionel Messi light the place up, but I think he was playing with us and he came out in the second half and showed what he can do.

"He scored that goal and came to life, he was floating about and getting into some good positions. Messi was the defining factor."

The goal lifted Argentina and, despite Vedad Ibisevic slotting in late on for Bosnia-Hercegovina, they held on.

All eyes were on Messi in the first game of the tournament at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio and, even though the four-time World Player of the Year took time to get going, he announced his arrival in sparkling style with his goal.

The strike was his second World Cup goal in nine games and provided the one piece of mesmerising magic Messi managed in a game in which he and Argentina improved the longer it progressed.

The blue and white of Argentina fans was prominent at the spiritual home of fierce rivals and hosts Brazil, although they had to watch on as a disciplined Bosnia stifled their side for most of the first half.

There was huge hype around Messi and Argentina getting their campaign under way, and the forward helped his side take an early lead with his first meaningful touch.

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Lionel Messi scores sublime Argentina goal

He supplied the left wing free-kick which was flicked on by team-mate Marcos Rojo before the ball came off defender Kolasinac and went into his own net.

However, Argentina rarely looked like adding to the goal as they lacked pace and invention, while regularly giving the ball away.

Bosnia slowly settled into the match and created sporadic chances, starting with a Miralem Pjanic shot being punched away by keeper Sergio Romero.

Pjanic also opened up Argentina when he clipped a ball over the top of their defence, which Izet Hajrovic brought down only for Romero to quickly come out and save.

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano had a powerful low shot blocked away by Bosnia keeper Asmir Begovic before Bosnia again went close to equalising.

Key facts

Messi played 623 minutes of World Cup football between his first and second goal. His first goal (v Serbia & Montenegro) was scored on 16th June 2006

Vedad Ibisevic has scored Bosnia-Hercegovina's first goal in World Cup history

Bosnia finished with more attempted shots (16) and more shots on target (6) than Argentina (12 and 2)

Source: Opta

Senad Lulic managed to steal in and get on the end of a corner but his low header was palmed away by Romero.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella brought on Higuain and Fernando Gago after the break and the move from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3 worked as La Albiceleste had more urgency about them after the reshuffle.

The improvement culminated in Messi's eye-catching goal. He played a one-two with Higuain before his balance, poise and pace helped him to evade two Bosnia defenders on the way to arrowing in an 18-yard shot off the inside of the post.

Bosnia gave Argentina some late concern when Lulic slipped a pass through for Vedad Ibisevic to angle in a low shot with six minutes left, but Sabella's side avoided any more scares.

Bosnia-Hercegovina improved after letting in an early own goal

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has 39 goals in 87 internationals

Ibisevic celebrates scoring Bosnia-Hercegovina's first goal in World Cup history

Live Text

Full Time

Attempt missed. Lionel Messi (Argentina) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Gonzalo Higuaín.

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Lionel Messi (Argentina) wins a free kick on the left wing.

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Foul by Edin Visca (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Substitution

Posted at87'

Substitution, Argentina. Lucas Biglia replaces Sergio Agüero.

Posted at87'

Attempt missed. Haris Medunjanin (Bosnia and Herzegovina) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Miralem Pjanic.

Goal!

Posted at84'

Goal! Argentina 2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1. Vedad Ibisevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Senad Lulic with a through ball.

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Attempt saved. Edin Visca (Bosnia and Herzegovina) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Haris Medunjanin.

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Corner, Argentina. Conceded by Emir Spahic.

Posted at81'

Attempt blocked. Miralem Pjanic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.

Posted at81'

Attempt blocked. Haris Medunjanin (Bosnia and Herzegovina) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Senad Lulic.

Posted at80'

Foul by Ezequiel Garay (Argentina).

Posted at80'

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

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Attempt missed. Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Lionel Messi with a through ball.

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Attempt missed. Sergio Agüero (Argentina) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Fernando Gago.